Tripod support for signal flares



Feb. 17, 1,948. f R. k. GuNDERsbN ,436,298

TRIPOD SUPPORT" SIGNAL FLARES Filed' Jan. 11, 1947 2' Shet-Shet 1 i fl/ew or 727% zwwrm ZZZ Emmy;

R. R. GUNDERSON 25436398 TRIPOD SUPPORT FOR SIGNAL FLARES Feb. 17, 1948.

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Filed Jan; 11, 1947 Patented Feb. 17, 1948 UNI TEE D STATES PATENT 'D FFI CE Ralph R. Gundersomflhicago, Ill., assignor to 010 K. Gunderson kpplication January 11, 1947, Serial No."72 157-1 4 Claims. (01.248-33) This invention relates to signal flares of the type set out on highways by truck drivers or motorists to warn approaching trafiic of a temporary obstruction on the highway; and more particularly to a foldable tripod support for a flag or signal flare.

The primary object of the invention is to provide an improved support for a signal frame which may readily be folded up for convenient carrying but, when in open position, has the signal frame locked in upright position by the legs of the tripod.

Another object of the invention is to provide a support for a signaling device which will support the device firmly on rough or uneven ground, and will not be blown over by a high wind.

The invention is illustrated in a preferred embodiment in the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the device in signaling position; Fig. 2 is a top plan view showing the device in collapsed and folded position; Fig. 3, a side elevational view of the device as shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4, a bottom plan view of the same; Fig. 5, a rear elevational view of the device with the signal frame in upright signaling position; Fig. 6, a plan sectional view, taken as indicated at line 6-6 of Fig. 2; Fig. 7, a fragmentary plan view of the front end of the stamping which is formed into the primary leg of the device; and Fig. 8, a sectional view, taken as indicated at line B--8 of Fig. 3.

In the embodiment illustrated, a signal frame 9 is preferably formed of sheet metal and has two large openings into which are fitted from opposite sidespairs of reflecting lenses In, which are held in position by U-shaped keepers i2, and removable central clamping members l3, secured by a bolt l4 and nut l5. Preferably, one sid of the frame is provided with a socket l6 adapted to receive a small flag-staff IT, as shown in Fig. 1. The lower end of the signal frame is bent forwardly, as indicated at 18, and is riveted at I9 to a crossbar which is spot-welded to a U-shaped hinge member 20, as shown in Figs. and 6.

The tripod support has a primary leg 2| and a pair of auxiliary legs 22 which are pivotally connected to the primary leg, as indicated at 23. The rear end of the primary leg is bent downwardly to form a foot 24, and preferably is embraced by a U-shaped piece of rubber 25 to reduce the likelihood of slippage on a smooth surface of ice, or a cement highway. As shown in Fig- 7, the front end of the primary leg may be formed as a metal stamping having a cut-out portion 26, ian'di 'pair aof :perforate ears2l which are later bent downwardly and Smakea hinged connection with the member 20 of the signal frame, as shown at 28.

Preferably, the auxiliary legs are each provided with a downwardly extending foot 29, which is serrated at its bottom edge, to provide a better grip with the surface on which it may be placed. When th signal frame is turned upwardly two hundred and seventy degrees from beneath the primary leg 2| to the signaling position shown in Fig. 1, a narrow space is afforded between the bottom of the signal frame and the front end of the primary leg. When the auxiliary legs are unfolded from the closed position shown in Fig. 2, as indicated in Fig. 6, to the extended position shown in Fig. 1, the auxiliary legs swing into the space provided between the signal frame and primary leg, and the frame is thus locked in upright position. Obviously, when the auxiliary legs are turned back over the primary leg the signal frame will become unlocked and may be swung back into the closed position shown in Figs. 2-4.

Preferably, a double-jawed spring clasp 30 is riveted to the under side of the primary leg 2|, as indicated at 3|, so as to clasp releasably one of the members 13 on the signal frame when it is turned to collapsed position, as shown in Fig. 8. It will be understood that the signal frame may be held releasably in closed position by other means, such as a finger on one of the auxiliary legs 22, or by engagement of the top of the signal frame with the inner side of the foot 24.

In the preferred construction illustrated, it is preferred to omit housing members, so as to conserve weight. In practice, several of the folded devices and warning flags will be carried. in a suitable container. In the construction illustrated, the free end of the signal frame, when in collapsed position, is guarded by the feet of the legs. However, if it is desired to house the signa1 frame, it will be understood that the auxiliary legs may be made in the form of C-shaped channel members which, when swung to folded position, would meet beneath the signal frame and form a housing.

The foregoing detailed description is given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, for some modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A tripod support for a signal flare, c0mpriS-' ing: a primary leg; a signal frame hinged to one end of said leg so that said frame may be swung primary leg, and a latch is provided for releasably securing said frame to said primary leg in reclining position.

3. A device as specified in claim 1, in which each of the legs has a downwardlyextending foot, the feet on the auxiliary legs being adapted to turn to a position beyond the foot of the pri- I mary leg, and the signal frame is adapted to swing down beneath said primary leg to a position guarded at one end by said feet.

4. A foldable tripod support for a signal flare,

comprising: a signal frame; a primary leg having at one end a hinge connected to said signal frame; and a pair of auxiliary legs pivoted to said primary leg near said hinge so that said auxiliary legs may be turned horizontally from superposed folded position on the primary leg to an extended position where they may lock the signal frame in upright position.

RALPH R. GUNDERSON.

REFERENCE S CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,104,072 Carr Jan. 4, 1938 2,128,409 Hager Aug. 30, 1938 2,235,281 Carver Mar. 18, 1941 

